Registration for the 2026-27 Diploma & Scholars Program is NOW OPEN!!
Registration for the 2026-27 Diploma & Scholars Program is NOW OPEN!!
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What is the Scholars Program?
What is the Scholars Program?
The Scholar's program is a way for students to participate in the IB program without all of the requirements of the Diploma Programme.
This program can be a great option for students who are unable to commit to the requirements of the DP. That being said, receiving an IB diploma is acknowledged world-wide, whereas the Scholar's Program is a DCHS specific achievement.
If you are unsure which option to choose, stop by the IB office or email Mrs. Edge (aedge@dcsdk12.org) to talk!
SCHOLAR REQUIREMENTS
SCHOLAR REQUIREMENTS
A candidate can only complete the Scholar Program if the following conditions are met:
1 Core Element
A passing mark has been awarded in the Core Element of the student's choosing. Failure to pass the Core Element will result in unsuccessful completion of the Scholar Program.
3 Exams
Students must take at least three IB exams in any combination of the six subjects.
There are no SL/HL requirements, but students are encouraged to take as many HL exams as possible.
Passing Scores
Students must receive at least a 2 in all subjects.
No more than one grade of a 2 may be awarded.
All other scores must be a 3 or higher.
Students must earn a minimum of 8 total points between all three exams to successfully complete the Scholar Program.
EARNING POINTS
EARNING POINTS
The points are calculated by adding together the grades achieved from all three exams. Candidates receive a grade of 1 - 7 for each subject. Standard level (SL) and higher level (HL) subjects are equally valued in determining the candidate’s final points.
The highest score a Scholar candidate can achieve (assuming 3 exams) is 21 points, obtained by multiplying the highest score possible (7) by the number of exams (3).
CORE Elements
CORE Elements
The Extended Essay (EE)
The Extended Essay (EE)
The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper.
The extended essay provides:
practical preparation for undergraduate research
an opportunity for students to investigate a topic of personal interest to them, which relates to one of the student's six DP subjects, or takes the interdisciplinary approach of a World Studies extended essay.
Through the research process for the extended essay, students develop skills in:
formulating an appropriate research question
engaging in a personal exploration of the topic
communicating ideas
developing an argument.
Participation in this process develops the capacity to analyze, synthesize and evaluate knowledge.
An extended essay can also be undertaken in world studies, where students carry out an in-depth interdisciplinary study of an issue of contemporary global significance, across two IB diploma disciplines.
Source: IBO.org
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a core class in the IB Diploma Programme that encourages students to reflect on how we know what we know. It explores different ways of knowing (like reason, emotion, language, and sense perception) and how knowledge is built across various areas of knowledge (such as science, history, and the arts).
The course helps students develop critical thinking skills by questioning the reliability, origins, and limits of knowledge. It doesn’t teach specific content but focuses on understanding and evaluating knowledge itself.
TOK is assessed through a presentation (on a real-world knowledge question) and a 1,600-word essay based on a prescribed title.
Source: IBO.org
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) is one of the core components of the IB Diploma Programme. It encourages students to engage in a range of experiences outside the classroom to foster personal and interpersonal development.
Visit our CAS page to learn more, including our international trips!
Source: IBO.org
IB Fees (May 2026)
IB Fees (May 2026)
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